Snorkeling Tour Gili Islands Indonesia
Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Gili Islands for unforgettable snorkeling adventures with sea turtles and vibrant coral reefs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better visibility
Snorkeling Tour Gili Islands Indonesia
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better visibility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into the crystal-clear waters of the Gili Islands for unforgettable snorkeling adventures with sea turtles and vibrant coral reefs.
"Swim alongside majestic sea turtles and discover colorful coral gardens in this underwater paradise."
🎯 Book Locally for Savings
Skip online bookings like Klook for potentially lower prices. Walk along the beach and negotiate with local dive shops.
🐢 Go Early for Turtles
Early morning tours (around 6:30 AM) offer the best chance to see turtles before crowds arrive.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Turtle Spotting
Turtle Point
Swim alongside majestic sea turtles in their natural habitat. An unforgettable encounter for all ages.
Underwater Statues
Gili Meno
Discover the 'Nest' and other intriguing underwater sculptures, a unique snorkeling experience.
Vibrant Coral Reefs
Various locations
Explore colorful coral gardens teeming with diverse tropical fish. A true underwater paradise.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Turtle Sightings
Private vs. Group Tours
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Locally for Savings
Skip online bookings like Klook for potentially lower prices. Walk along the beach and negotiate with local dive shops.
🐢 Go Early for Turtles
Early morning tours (around 6:30 AM) offer the best chance to see turtles before crowds arrive.
📸 GoPro for Photos/Videos
Many guides offer GoPro packages to capture your underwater adventures. Worth the extra cost!
💧 Avoid Group Tours for Privacy
Private tours offer a more intimate experience and allow you to avoid busy spots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Locally for Savings
Skip online bookings like Klook for potentially lower prices. Walk along the beach and negotiate with local dive shops.
🐢 Go Early for Turtles
Early morning tours (around 6:30 AM) offer the best chance to see turtles before crowds arrive.
📸 GoPro for Photos/Videos
Many guides offer GoPro packages to capture your underwater adventures. Worth the extra cost!
💧 Avoid Group Tours for Privacy
Private tours offer a more intimate experience and allow you to avoid busy spots.
🤿 Shallow Spots for Beginners
Snorkeling spots are generally shallow (max 6m), making them suitable for beginners and those with sea anxiety.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the incredible marine life, especially the frequent sea turtle sightings and vibrant coral reefs. Private tours are highly recommended for a personalized experience, with guides often going above and beyond to capture amazing photos and videos. Some find group tours can be crowded, and water clarity can vary at different spots.
"We booked a snorkelling trip in Gili Air after I first tried Turtle Bay on my own and found there were a lot of jellyfish. I decided it would be best to go with professionals, especially as my partner is quite nervous in the sea. We went for a private tour — and wow!
Both Sapari and Heri put us completely at ease. They were super professional, calm, and made everything feel safe and enjoyable. We ended up seeing three incredible turtles, and the encounters were private and away from the crowds.
It was truly a memory for life. I can’t recommend them highly enough!"
Melo Meacher-Jones
"Me and my husband had an awesome experience with our guide Safari. We had a private snorkelling tour and we booked it at 7am, because of the crowds. There will always be crowds at the statues, but in the morning we were basically alone at the other two snorkelling spots! Amazing! Safari filmed us and took great photos, then sent them to us (only 7,5€).
I was a bit scared at first but the snorkelling spots are max 6m under the sea level."
Sara Steinbacher
"We had a great time with our guide Sapari and Adi the captain. My wife and I did the 2 hour private tour with three spots. The water at the first spot (blue coral garden) was not very clear so we didn’t spend as much time there but we more than made up for it with the next two spots (the Nest sculpture & Turtle point). We even popped onto Gili Meno for a few minutes to see a baby turtle sanctuary. Sapari is a quite an impressive photographer, who borrowed our Go Pro and took some amazing photos and videos of the marine life. We saw so many turtles and amazing soft coral and schools of tropical fish! It was well worth heading out early to beat some of the crowds. Highly recommend this tour agency!"
Todd McKenna
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the Gili Islands by fast boat from Bali or Lombok. From Lombok, a short public boat ride or private transfer to Bangsal harbor will get you to the islands. Many travelers opt for fast boat services that include hotel pick-up in Bali for convenience.
Public boats run regularly between the islands, or you can hire private boats for more flexibility. Walking is also a great way to explore each island's coastline.
No, the Gili Islands are car-free! Transportation is by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carts (cidomos). This adds to the relaxed island vibe.
Yes, on Gili Air, you can often see turtles and fish just by snorkeling off the beach, especially in the mornings.
While all three islands offer great snorkeling, Gili Meno is often cited for its peaceful atmosphere and the famous underwater statues. Gili Air is also excellent for direct beach access snorkeling.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Group tours can range from 150,000 IDR to 300,000 IDR. Private tours are more expensive, typically starting around 750,000 IDR, but can often be negotiated down to around 1.3 million IDR for a full day.
Absolutely! You can easily book tours by walking along the beach and speaking with local dive shops or tour operators. This is often cheaper than booking online.
Most tours include snorkel gear (mask, snorkel, fins), a boat to take you to different spots, and sometimes a guide. Private tours may offer additional services like GoPro filming.
For group tours, you can often book on the day or a day before. For private tours, booking a day in advance is recommended, especially during peak season.
Generally, there are no specific entrance fees for the main snorkeling spots. The cost is covered by your tour price.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You're highly likely to see sea turtles, colorful coral reefs, and a variety of tropical fish. Some tours might also take you to see the underwater statues. +1
Yes, many snorkeling spots are in shallow waters (around 6 meters deep) and are suitable for beginners. Guides are also available to assist.
Early mornings are best for avoiding crowds and often offer better visibility and calmer seas.
While tours provide gear, bringing your own mask can ensure a better fit and comfort. However, the provided gear is usually adequate.
Wear a swimsuit and consider a rash guard for sun protection. Reef-safe sunscreen is highly recommended to protect the marine environment.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, many people bring waterproof cameras or GoPros. Some tours offer GoPro rental or filming services for an extra fee.
Definitely! The underwater statues and marine life provide fantastic photo opportunities. Early mornings offer clearer water and fewer people in shots.
A GoPro or other action camera with a waterproof housing is ideal. Ensure it's fully charged and has enough storage.
Many private tour guides are skilled photographers and can take amazing photos and videos of you with marine life, often sharing them via USB or cloud link.
The underwater statues at Gili Meno, the coral gardens, and any spot where you encounter turtles are prime photography locations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Opting for a private tour can be beneficial for families, allowing you to control the pace and duration of the snorkeling stops. This ensures that children don't get tired or overwhelmed. Seeing turtles and colorful fish is often a highlight for kids, creating lasting memories.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider staying on Gili Air, which is known for its relaxed vibe and good snorkeling directly from the beach, potentially saving on tour costs. Packing your own snorkel mask can also save on rental fees if you plan to snorkel frequently.
💖 Couples & Honeymooners
Many guides are happy to take photos and videos of you as a couple, creating beautiful mementos of your trip. The stunning marine life and clear waters provide a magical backdrop for unforgettable moments.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Choosing Your Gili Islands Snorkeling Adventure
For a more personalized and less crowded experience, consider a private snorkeling tour. While more expensive (starting from 750,000 IDR and potentially negotiable to 1.3 million IDR), these tours allow you to set your own pace, choose your preferred spots, and enjoy more intimate encounters with marine life. Many travelers find the extra cost well worth it for the privacy and flexibility.
Booking locally is a common tip from travelers to secure better prices, especially for private tours. Simply walk along the beach on any of the islands and inquire at the numerous dive shops and tour operators.
Maximizing Your Chances of Seeing Sea Turtles
Popular turtle spotting locations include Turtle Point (often near Gili Trawangan) and areas around Gili Meno. While some turtles can be seen just off the beach on Gili Air, a boat tour will take you to more reliable spots. Remember to observe turtles from a respectful distance and avoid touching them, as they are wild animals in their natural habitat.
Guides on private tours are often very knowledgeable about turtle behavior and locations, further enhancing your chances of a memorable sighting. Some tours even include visits to baby turtle sanctuaries.
Underwater Photography Tips
Popular subjects for photography include the underwater statues on Gili Meno, the colorful coral reefs, and of course, the sea turtles. Early morning tours are ideal not only for avoiding crowds but also for achieving better lighting conditions underwater.
When photographing marine life, be patient and try to capture natural behaviors. Remember to use reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate ecosystem you're documenting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit